Parental and Kinship Care for Councillors - Find a freedom of information request

1. Does the council have a formal policy in place for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for all councillors? If yes, please provide a copy.

2. If no, does the council have any informal arrangements in place by which it would make provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for all councillors?

3. Does the council have a formal policy in place for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for councillors with a Special Responsibility Allowance? If yes, please provide a copy. 

4. If no, does the council have any informal arrangements in place by which it would make provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and kinship care for councillors with a Special Responsibility Allowance? 

5. Does the council have a formal standards committee?

6. Does the council have a formal role to oversee member conduct and promote equality (e.g. chair of the standards committee, chief whip, etc.)?

7. Does the council's Code of Conduct under Section 27(2) of the Localism Act 2011 make any reference to promoting equality or tackling sexism?

1. Whilst we don't have any formal policy, as part of the council's Members' Allowances Scheme, a Childcare and Dependants' Carers’ Allowance is payable to reimburse Elected Members for the cost of caring for their children or dependent relatives whilst undertaking approved duties.

2. No, please see response to question 1

3. No, please see response to question 1

4. No, please see response to question 1

5. No. However, in accordance with the council's Constitution, the council's Audit Committee has a formal role in promoting and maintaining standards amongst councillors in conjunction with the Members' Code of Conduct.

This role is detailed in Part 2, Section 7.06, p2/43 of the council's Constitution. A link is provided below;

https://lincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s40041/CONSTITUTION%20- %2021.05.21%20-%20Part%202%20- %20Articles%20of%20the%20Constitution.pdf

6. Part 5 of the Council's Constitution, and specifically beginning on page 5/16, outlines the 'Local arrangements for dealing with complaints about members under the Localism Act 2011' and the Council's approach and the role of the Council's Monitoring Officer and Independent Person. Link below;

https://lincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s40044/CONSTITUTION%20- %2011.12.19%20-%20Part%205%20-%20Codes%20and%20Protocols.pdf

7. Please see Part 5 of the Council's Constitution, specifically Section D3, 'Protocol on harassment, intimidation and unacceptable behaviour' (page 5/51 onwards).